IRVING, Texas (Jan. 13, 2025) – During the 2025 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame presented the NFF divisional national championship trophies to the coaches of the 2024 winning teams on Jan. 12. The presentation occurred during The Honors Reception, held Sunday evening in the Hall of Honor at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
 
"The presentation of the NFF divisional national championship trophies at the AFCA Convention is a special tradition that recognizes the incredible dedication and leadership of the head coaches of the national championship teams," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Winning a national championship at any level is a remarkable achievement, requiring relentless effort, strategic excellence, and a deep commitment to their student-athletes. It is only fitting that we honor the winning coaches among their peers, who understand firsthand the challenges of leading a team to the pinnacle of success. We are proud to continue this tradition alongside AFCA Executive Director Craig Bohl, celebrating the very best in our game."
 
NCAA Football Championship Subdivision - John F. Kennedy Trophy
North Dakota State University - Coach Tim Polasek
Head Coach Tim Polasek guided the No. 4 Bison (14-2) to the FCS national title on Jan. 6 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State secured a thrilling 35-32 victory over No. 1 Montana State (15-1). The championship marked North Dakota State's 10th FCS title and 18th national championship overall. Bison quarterback Cam Miller was named the game's Most Outstanding Player after rushing 18 times for 121 yards and two touchdowns while completing 19 of 22 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. NDSU linebacker Nick Kubitz led the defense with a team-high nine tackles, including one tackle for loss and one pass breakup.
North Dakota State has now appeared in the title game 11 times in the past 14 years. The win came in Polasek's first season as NDSU head coach. He previously spent 10 seasons on the NDSU staff at various points since 2006 during his coaching career.
 
NCAA Division II - Asa S. Bushnell Trophy
Ferris State University (MI) – Coach Tony Annese
Head coach Tony Annese steered No. 2 Ferris State (14-1) to a dominant 49-14 win in the NCAA Division II National Championship over undefeated No. 1 Valdosta State (GA) on Dec. 21 at McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas. The Bulldogs captured the title in their fourth championship appearance in six years under Coach Annese, marking the program's third crown following back-to-back trophies in 2021 and 2022. Ferris State quarterback Trinidad Chambliss finished with 153 passing yards and three touchdowns, along with 78 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. The Bulldogs' defense held Valdosta State to 190 passing yards and 121 rushing yards.
 
NCAA Division III - Amos Alonzo Stagg Trophy
North Central College (IL) - Coach Brad Spencer
Head Coach Brad Spencer led No. 1 North Central (15-0) to the Division III crown on Jan. 5, defeating No. 3 Mount Union (OH) with a 41-25 victory in the Stagg Bowl at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. The win gave the Cardinals their third NCAA Division III trophy in five seasons and Spencer's second as head coach. Cardinals quarterback Luke Lehnen, a 2024 NFF Campbell Trophy Finalist, earned the game's Most Outstanding Player honor, completing 18 of 26 passes for 298 yards and four scores while running for 55 yards and another touchdown. His performance gave him sole possession of the Division III record for touchdown passes (162) while tying the all-divisions record. Lehnen finished his career as the NCAA's all-divisions leader in career passing efficiency (211.9) and touchdowns responsible for (213), compiling an overall record of 57-2. Defensive back Brayden Garrigan led the Cardinals' defense with eight tackles in the victory.
 
 
NAIA - Dwight D. Eisenhower Trophy
Grand View University (IA) – Coach Joe Woodley
Head Coach Joe Woodley directed No. 2 Grand View (14-0) to a commanding 35-7 victory over defending national champion No. 1 Keiser (FL) for the 2024 NAIA Football National Championship on Dec. 21 at Durham County Memorial Stadium in North Carolina. The win marked the second title for both the school and Coach Woodley, who previously led the Vikings to the crown in 2013. The 2024 Vikings made history, becoming the first champion to defeat the previous three national champions in the same season to claim the title. Grand View quarterback Jackson Waring was named the offensive player of the game, completing 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards and four touchdowns. The Vikings' defense limited Keiser to 130 net rushing yards, with linebacker John Argo leading the unit with nine total tackles, including a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
 
The NFF will formally present the MacArthur Bowl, the organization's national championship trophy for the Football Bowl Subdivision, to the winner of the College Football Playoff National Championship, which will be played on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta between No. 8 Ohio State (13-2) and No. 7 Notre Dame (14-1).